Any regrets about moving back to the UK?
Aug 10th 2014, 12:25 pm
#181
Ping-ponger
Joined: Jul 2002
Location: Dreich Alba
Posts: 12,006
re: Any regrets about moving back to the UK?
One thing many expats dont look forward to is paying UK tax again. Compared to popular tax-free expat destinations like Dubai, Qatar, Abu Dhabi and Bahrain, its a big shock. 45% top rate of income tax, 28% capital gains tax. One way of adjusting to life back in the UK is to start to live on less and less of your income in the 2 years before you move back home.
Expats who whinge about the 45% income tax don't get much sympathy from me - it's like whingeing that an oil change for your Rolls costs more than for a Skoda.
Aug 10th 2014, 12:50 pm
#182
Muskoka, Ontario
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 3,045
re: Any regrets about moving back to the UK?
In Wales, prescriptions are free. However that does lead to abuse of the system.... People visiting doctors for prescription for paracetemol that you can buy for 16p in Tesco etc..
....what are you trying to suggest?
Aug 10th 2014, 8:40 pm
#184
BE Enthusiast
Joined: May 2014
Location: USA
Posts: 369
re: Any regrets about moving back to the UK?
if you look at the costs you have to pay in the US for health insurance and for prescriptions the NHS is a bargain. Also having health insurance in the US doesn't mean that the service is any better than with the US. Each doctor is different and each hospital is different just like in the UK. I've had good experiences and bad experiences in the US. Paying £8.05 a month for a prescription is a good deal in my opinion, plus certain meds you may not pay for at all.
Aug 13th 2014, 2:58 pm
#185
Banned
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 5,154
re: Any regrets about moving back to the UK?
And just how many do you think will actually fall into that bracket? You need to be talking marginal rates, as these are a far more accurate indicator.
Aug 13th 2014, 5:51 pm
#186
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 67
re: Any regrets about moving back to the UK?
I didnt know prescriptions were free in Wales, how is that? So many differences between these places.
Aug 13th 2014, 10:01 pm
#188
Muskoka, Ontario
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 3,045
re: Any regrets about moving back to the UK?
The Welsh Assembly picks up the bill thanks. They take care of their own health care as they are devolved..
Aug 13th 2014, 11:08 pm
#190
Muskoka, Ontario
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 3,045
re: Any regrets about moving back to the UK?
Well they have a certain budget- they choose how to use it, likewise the English healthcare budget.
I take it your thoroughly for Scottish devolution seeing as it's taking up "English" money?
I take it your thoroughly for Scottish devolution seeing as it's taking up "English" money?
Aug 13th 2014, 11:28 pm
#191
Banned
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 5,154
re: Any regrets about moving back to the UK?
Aug 13th 2014, 11:34 pm
#192
Just Joined
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 12
re: Any regrets about moving back to the UK?
I think the UK is too expensive to move back to! When people ask me about the UK here like the price of gas and stuff. They wonder how on earth i afforded to live there.
Aug 13th 2014, 11:35 pm
#193
Just Joined
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 12
re: Any regrets about moving back to the UK?
Also the UK is nothing at all like it was 50 years ago. the customer service has long gone from that country
Aug 13th 2014, 11:42 pm
#195
Muskoka, Ontario
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 3,045
re: Any regrets about moving back to the UK?
Hydro/propane/satellite/internet/mobile phones/food/car insurance ... All very expensive here than back home.